My DVR was happy to see the 2014 Olympic Games come to a close, but I can't say the same for myself. The games wrapped up 3 short days ago and I already miss capping my evenings by getting caught up with all the action in Sochi. But there are ways to combat the feelings of loss, as we list the best options for replacing your favorite aspects of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Ice Hockey
It would be hard to argue against the NHL providing the strongest parallel to the 2014 Olympic games. All 30 NHL teams sent at least one player to compete for an Olympic medal, with the Blackhawks, Redwings, and Blues being the most strongly represented teams in the league. We can't think of any better way to cope with the loss of Olympic hockey than the outdoor Stadium Series game at Soldier Field on March 1st between the Blackhawks and the Penguins (which will feature five Canadian gold medalists).
View all NHL Hockey Tickets and Seating Guides
Figure Skating & Ice Dancing
While it may not have the excitement of the triple axel to triple toe loop combination, Disney on Ice delivers the pageantry of Figure Skating while providing a fun, family-friendly option for skating fans of all ages. Disney on Ice shows are running now through April, with multiple shows featuring different characters from the Disney lineup of stars.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Other than the cross-country events, there was no shortage of speed or aerial thrills at the slopes of Rosa Khutor during the Winter Games. That blend of fast moving, high flying adrenaline can be difficult to find, but we recommend considering the AMA Supercross Tour to fill the empty void. With high speed racing, tight turns, mogul like straight-aways, and big air jumps, Supercross checks off many of the same boxes.
- AMA Supercross - Indianapolis, IN - 3/1/14
- AMA Supercross - Daytona Beach, FL - 3/8/14
- AMA Supercross - Detroit, MI - 3/15/14
- AMA Supercross - Toronto, ON - 3/22/14
- AMA Supercross - St. Louis, MO - 3/29/14
Speed Skating
NASCAR racing takes place on a completely different surface than Olympic speed skating, but these two sports share a good number of similarities. Both are highly competitive racing events featuring nothing but left hand turns and athletes focused on going fast, avoiding wrecks, and crossing the finish line with the best time. However in the Sprint Cup Series, don't expect to see the Netherlands dominate the way they did in Sochi.
- Kobalt 400 - Las Vegas, NV - 3/9/14
- Food City 500 - Bristol, TN - 3/16/14
- Auto Club 400 - Fontana, CA - 3/23/14
- STP Gas Booster 500 - Martinsville, VA - 3/30/14
Cheering For Your Home Country
Its a unique feeling to watch your country compete against the rest of the world. You might not know a single thing about the athletes wearing the colors of your flag, but you cheer for them without a second thought. We will all have to wait until the 2016 Summer Games before we can do so again at an Olympics, but for loyal followers of the U.S. and Mexico, the April 2nd soccer match at University of Phoenix Stadium is a can't miss event!
Share Your Thoughts
Let us know if you have any recommendations on getting over the Olympic hangover by posting in the comments section below. And as you get out there to enjoy your next sporting or concert event, remember to bring a camera so you can share your photos and seat reviews with your fellow fans!
